A Game of Thrones

A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1

By: George R.R. Martin

Narrated by: Roy Dotrice

Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Now the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones - the masterpiece that became a cultural phenomenon

Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen's brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister - the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind.

All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki - whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.

©1996 George R.R. Martin, (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc., published in arrangement with Random House Audio Group,a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Locus Award, 1997

"Martin's trophy case is already stuffed with major prizes...He's probably going to have to add another shelf, at least." (Publishers Weekly)

"The first volume in Martin's first fantasy saga combines intrigue, action, romance, and mystery in a family saga." (Booklist)

"Grabs hold and won't let go. It's brilliant." (Robert Jordan)

"This novel is an absorbing combination of the mythic, the sweepingly historical, and the intensely personal." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Wonderful!

Where does A Game of Thrones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right near the top! The characters are real and full of depth, the story enthralls you. Most excellent narrations! Top marks

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Game of Thrones?

the dire wolves give me goosebumps! Especially the connection between them and the Stark children

Have you listened to any of Roy Dotrice’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am currently listening to the 2nd book in Game of Thrones. The voices remain true and his variety is incredable!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Eddard Stark was killed. Such empathy for Aria watching....

amazing

amazing book, fantastic reading!! I really enjoyed it. the reader did a fantastic job with pacing, using different voices.

Amazing.

Great story, skillfully brought to life by a gifted narrator. I highly recommend this book.

great book

this was a very engaging and exciting book. beautiful reading performance that pulled you in.

Exceptional from start to finish

GOT is one of the best tv shows ever. The first book is even better with far more depth and complexity.

Great book

Definitely check it out if you like gritty fantasy. The performance was good, though not quite how I imagined the character voices.

Never imagined I would like it so well.

I listened to every word of it. And am getting the next book soon.

stunning story or valor, honor, and betrayal.

Roy does. an amazing job as a narrator, true man of a thousand voices. a must-read

What a read! What a narrator!!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Game of Thrones to be better than the print version?

As I haven't read it in the printed version, I find this a hard one to answer. However, Roy Dotrice is absolutely top notch as a narrator and definitely adds a whole lot extra to the experience of getting acquainted with the "Game of Thrones"!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Game of Thrones?

The whole book is memorable, its cast is superb, the different story lines are many and sometimes confusing, but always interesting. Naming one or more memorable moments would spoil the book for new readers, so I won't mention any.

I will say however, that I find "A Game of Thrones" a more than worthy successor to that other series I just finished: Robert Jordans "The Wheel of Time"

Which character – as performed by Roy Dotrice – was your favorite?

The tomboy Arya Stark

Enchanting book

I am not usually one for fantasy books, but this book catches you early on, and you just can not put it down. The characters are well defined with such delightful phrases. This audio book does more than convey a story. I felt as though a was part of the story. The reading is that good. A good reader allows you to surround yourself in a story the way the warm water envelopes you in a hot bath.

This audio book is one I return to time and again because the narrator and storyline is spot on. Surprisingly, I've not watched the television adaptation. I will be obtaining the second installment of the series.